Comité du patrimoine de Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

Formed by a group of citizens determined to save the old Canadian Pacific Railway station from demolition, the volunteer Comité du patrimoine de Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts (or “Sainte-Agathe Heritage Committee”) has the following aims: the acquisition of historic knowledge; the raising of awareness of heritage buildings; the creation and dissemination of promotional and reference tools; and support for the actions of other interested groups, regardless of personal origins, religions or prejudices.

The Heritage Committee has proven itself an effective collective leader; fostered a productive dialogue at all levels; promoted collaboration among residents, the educational sector, business people, and governments; and endeavored to collect and archive historic and heritage-related documents.

A number of projects have been achieved thanks to the collaboration of the Ministère de la culture et des communications, the town of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, the generosity of individual and corporate donors, and of course, the unconditional support of Heritage Committee members.

The following successes give an indication of the types of activities the Committee has been involved in:
1993: Saving and restoring the old CP Rail station, with the help of local volunteers. $40,000.
1994: Inventory of local heritage sites. $25,000. 2 volumes.
1998: Heritage tour of downtown, including pamphlets in French and English. $8,000. Recognition plaques presented to citizens.
1998: 4 interpretative plaques. $20,000.
2000: 5 more interpretative plaques. $22,000.
2001: Inauguration of a panel dedicated to poet Gaston Miron at the Sainte-Agathe municipal library. $6,000.
2002: Twinning of the towns of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Saranac Lake, NY.
2002-2003: Publication of a monograph on 150 years of history in Sainte-Agathe, written by historian Serge Laurin. $36,000.
2004: Inauguration of the Heritage Committee’s documentation centre and archives.